Matanao Mayor Vincent F. Fernandez (2nd from right) and LANDBANK Davao del Sur Lending Center Department Manager Arnel M. Caalim (rightmost) lead the ceremonial signing for a P200-million financial recovery loan package, witnessed by Matanao Vice Mayor Alfredo O. Panerio (2nd from left) and LANDBANK Bansalan Branch Department Manager Raquel U. Dela Cerna.
MATANAO, Davao del Sur – Recovery efforts of this 2nd class municipality against the ongoing health crisis, as well as natural calamities such as frequent earthquakes that rock the region, will receive crucial financial support from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) as the Municipality of Matanao signed six (6) term loans totaling P200 million on March 15, 2021.
The Matanao local government unit (LGU) availed of the financial recovery package under the RISE UP LGUs (Restoration and Invigoration Package for a Self-sufficient Economy towards UPgrowth for LGUs) Lending Program, designed to provide the necessary funding requirements of provincial, city, and municipal LGUs to revive their local economy and recover from the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We continue to encourage our LGUs to utilize their borrowing capacity to bolster local healthcare services and economic recovery programs. The LANDBANK RISE UP LGUs Lending Program provides for responsive and accessible financing for these requirements,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.
Part of the loan will be used by Matanao to bolster its healthcare services, which include maintenance of COVID-19 isolation and monitoring units, as well as temporary treatment facilities for residents suspected or have tested positive with the virus.
The loan will also replenish funds used by the LGU to procure food and medical supplies that are distributed to the poorest and most affected members of the community who are mostly engaged in rice farming and banana cultivation.
Under Republic Act No. 11494 or the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act,” loans availed by LGUs during this time for such purposes will receive an interest subsidy until December 31, 2022 or until the total P1-billion subsidy fund under the Act is fully utilized.
For his part, Matanao Mayor Vincent F. Fernandez said the LGU will strive to keep Matanao as one of the most competitive municipalities in the Davao Region.
“We are very thankful to LANDBANK for immediately responding to the urgent request of the LGU for assistance. Thank you for a decade of partnership. We hope that through this financial package with concessional terms, we can recover faster, not only from the damages brought about by the recent quakes, but also from this pandemic," said Mayor Fernandez.
He added that one of the term loans will be used to reconstruct the Municipal Hall building—previously financed by the Bank in 2013—after it was severely damaged by earthquakes in 2019 and rendered unusable.
Another term loan will be used to acquire heavy equipment for the ongoing development of road networks and other infrastructure prospects within the Municipality that will pave the way for the enhanced mobility of people and goods.
Moreover, the loan package will also fund the construction of a public market building that will benefit small farmers and fishers, as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Interested LGUs may contact the nearest open LANDBANK Lending Center or Branch nationwide, or call LANDBANK’s customer service at (02) 8-405-7000 or at PLDT Domestic Toll Free 1-800-10-405-7000.
Updates are regularly posted on the official LANDBANK Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts (@landbankofficial), Twitter (@LBP_Official), and in Viber Community (@LANDBANK), or in the LANDBANK website (www.landbank.com).
Harvest of Dreams: Citrus pioneer turns Malabing Valley into land of opportunities
In Nueva Vizcaya, talk about citrus and one name always comes to mind. Known as the province’s Father of Citrus for pioneering the local citrus industry, farmer Alfonso Namuje, Jr. has long been recognized as a local hero, whose vision and determination turned Malabing Valley into a thriving citrus hub. “Nung bata pa ako, mahilig na ako magtanim ng mga halaman. Baka yun ang ibinigay ng Diyos sakin,” Mr. Namujhe recalls. From a young age, he was drawn to plants, a passion that led him to study agriculture in college. But life led him to a different direction. He found himself working at a pig farm in Laguna, where he eventually became a manager. It was only after seeing how the fruits he planted in his backyard were celebrated by the community that he realized his true calling. “Yung mga prutas na tinanim ko, pinag-piyestahan ng mga tao. Naisip ko na ito pala ang magpapayaman sa lugar,” he says. This inspired him to return to Malabing Valley and dedicate himself fully to uplifting his hometown through citrus farming. Before Mr. Namujhe introduced citrus, the valley’s main crops were corn and coffee. However, years of armed conflict had turned the area into a settlement for former rebel forces making financial institutions wary of investing. Still, he believed that providing livelihoods could be a powerful tool for change. “If there’s a marketable farm product in the area, the government will take notice. Roads, electricity, infrastructure — they will follow,” he says. Guided by this vision, he introduced citrus to the valley. He then left his well-paying job and moved back to Malabing Valley with his family. Together, they began building the foundation for what would become a thriving citrus hub. He established the Namujhe Integrated Farm, and shared knowledge with fellow farmers through the Malabing Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MVMPC), which he helped organize. As interest in citrus grew, more farmers sought guidance. Through the MVMPC, farmers gained access to techniques, financial support, and farm inputs, while his own farm became a living classroom and an agri-tourism site. A critical part of this transformation was LANDBANK which believed in Mr. Namujhe’s vision when others refused to. The Bank provided the financial support needed for farmers to invest in inputs and expand operations. Citrus farming soon became a viable industry, improving livelihoods and attracting government attention — roads were built, connecting communities and markets, and what once took a five-day carabao ride to reach Solano could now be traversed in hours. Through years of research and experimentation, Mr. Namujhe refined orchard management, introduced new cultivars, and shared his knowledge with students, co-farmers, and visitors. Malabing Valley became the heart of citrus production in Cagayan Valley, with Kasibu officially recognized as the Citrus Capital of Luzon. “Nagpapasalamat talaga ang mga tao. They accept na ako talaga ang dahilan na nag-improve ang kanilang buhay. Sa akin, that’s my achievement. I can be proud of it,” he shared, reflecting on the gratitude of local farmers. “Si Dad, ibang level talaga. One man’s dream, naging isang community. Isang tao lang ang gumawa nito, and pulled everybody up,” says his daughter Josephine, who was inspired to follow his father’s footsteps. “Yung mga politician sinasabi nila, 'Alam mo, kami makakalimutan, pero ikaw – yung binigay mo na legacy dito, I don’t think makakalimutan ka,’” Josephine proudly added, highlighting how his father’s contributions have left a lasting imprint on the community. Mr. Namujhe’s efforts provided not just a new crop, but a new foundation for success, empowering countless farmers by granting them access to innovative citrus production techniques, financial support, and necessary farm supplies. Through his work, many young people were able to pursue their education, and several families successfully built quality homes and acquired properties in the lowlands. His leadership and advocacy significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, effectively improving the livelihood of the entire community. His pioneering work has earned him national recognition. Most recently, LANDBANK’s Gawad TANYAG Awards honored him as Ulirang Magsasaka, acknowledging the impact of his leadership, innovation, and community transformation. “LANDBANK is doing their work, kaya I'm loyal to them. Maraming pumupunta sa akin na iba. Pero hanggang nandiyan pa ang LANDBANK, kasama ko yan,” he added. Through his vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to his community, Mr. Namujhe turned a once-overlooked valley into a thriving citrus hub — leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
LEARN MORE
Strengthening Palawan’s agri value chain: LANDBANK expands financing support for farmers, agri stakeholders
BROOKE’S POINT, Palawan – LANDBANK continues to strengthen its support for farmers and other players in the agricultural value chain with the regional rollout of the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in this province, bringing low-interest financing and capacity-building support closer to more agricultural communities nationwide. Over 1,400 farmers from the municipalities of Aborlan, Bataraza, Brooke’s Point, Narra, Quezon, Rizal, and Sofronio Española gathered for the event, reflecting the strong interest of Palawan’s agri communities for accessible and affordable credit assistance. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Director Mynard Bryan R. Mojica led the launch on 10 October 2025 at Brooke’s Point Event Center. They were joined by Brooke’s Point Mayor Cesareo R. Benedito Jr., Narra Mayor Gerandy B. Danao, and national and local partners from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). “With the continued rollout of the LANDBANK AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program nationwide, we are deepening our commitment to empower farmers and other agri stakeholders, including those in far-flung provinces like Palawan. We aim to provide them with the financing, tools, and partnerships needed to strengthen agricultural productivity and build resilient livelihoods,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Inclusive and holistic agri financing Developed in partnership with the DA, DAR, ACPC, NIA and other private sector partners, the AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is LANDBANK’s enhanced value chain-based financing initiative to provide holistic support to agricultural players. The Program offers a fixed interest rate of 4.0% per annum for small farmers, fishers, and ARBs, with competitive rates for their associations and organizations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), large enterprises, anchor firms, and agriculture graduates. Borrowers benefit from simplified documentary requirements, free life and credit life insurance, and expanded access to technical and market support to help boost productivity and profitability. The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program is complemented by the LANDBANK ASCEND (Agri-Fishery Support through Capability Enhancement for Nationwide Development) initiative, a capacity-building component that provides farmers and fishers with training on digital financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, and enterprise development. As of August 2025, LANDBANK has released ₱1.78 billion in loans under the AGRISENSO Plus Program, supporting over 12,000 borrowers nationwide. The Palawan rollout follows successful launches in Pampanga, Cagayan, Isabela, Batanes, Bukidnon, and Iloilo, with the next rollout scheduled in Negros Occidental later this month. Strengthening partnerships for growth The AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program also connects farmers and fishers to market opportunities through partnerships with anchor firms, such as Kita Agritech Corporation, Sarisuki Stores, Inc., TAO Foods Company, Inc., Yovel East Research and Development, Inc., and Unified Tillers Agriculture Cooperative (UTAC). Santeh Feeds Corporation recently joined the roster of the Program anchor firms following the signing of a memorandum of agreement with LANDBANK on 07 October 2025 at LANDBANK Plaza in Manila. The partnership will broaden the Program’s reach to aqua farmers nationwide who use Santeh Feeds’ products and services. It aims to boost productivity and strengthen the economic resilience of aqua farmers, while advancing sustainable aquaculture practices across the country. LANDBANK remains steadfast in its mission to advance countryside development and ensure food security by scaling up inclusive and sustainable financing for the agriculture sector — empowering rural communities and cultivating growth from countryside to countrywide. ABOUT LANDBANK LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the country promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national development. Present in all 82 provinces in the county, the Bank is committed to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from countryside to countrywide.
LEARN MORE
Advancing digital financial inclusion: LANDBANK and Palawan State University launch Cash-Lite Campus initiative
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – LANDBANK and Palawan State University (PSU) have partnered to launch the Cash-Lite Campus initiative, advancing digital financial literacy and empowering students with secure, efficient banking solutions. Launched on 9 October 2025 at the PSU Performing Arts Center, the initiative aims to reduce cash dependency and streamline transactions for University’s students, faculty, and staff through mobile and e-banking services. “LANDBANK is here to help students build digital confidence in managing their finances — safely, smartly, and efficiently. Whether paying school fees, buying meals, or splitting costs with friends, our digital solutions make everyday transactions simpler and more secure,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz, who led the event, together with PSU President Dr. Ramon M. Docto and other officials. The Cash-Lite Campus initiative introduces the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App (MBA) and other e-payment channels, equipping students with essential digital financial skills. A key feature is the LANDBANK Piso Plus account, which can be opened via the LANDBANK MBA, with no initial deposit or maintaining balance. Pre-launch activities on 8 October engaged students in interactive missions to promote account opening and digital engagement. The launch also featured a financial literacy session and live demonstrations of cashless transactions using the LANDBANK MBA, highlighting the convenience and security of digital banking. The initiative is expected to result in over 12,000 new account openings and a significant boost in digital transactions at PSU, supporting LANDBANK’s mission to advance financial inclusion in the education sector. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz (2nd from left) and Senior Vice President Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva (rightmost), together with Waves for Water Philippines Operations Director Francelline Jimenez (leftmost), turn over 16 filtration systems, 16 handwashing stations, and 32 jerry cans to Palawan State University (PSU) President Ramon M. Docto (2nd from right) as part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. The facilities will help address the lack of potable water and handwashing areas in the University for the benefit of students and teachers. Following PSU, LANDBANK plans to expand the Cash-Lite Campus initiative nationwide, fostering digital adoption and financial empowerment among the youth. Through partnerships like this, LANDBANK continues to champion financial inclusion and digital innovation, ensuring students and educators are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
LEARN MORE
